KASUR, Sept 22: The people of Kasur belonging to all walks of life condemned the decision of regional transport authority for changing the route of public transport.

The public transport has been forced by the RTA to turn to Multan Road from Chungi Amar Sadhu to reach Lahore general bus stand. The previous route through Ferozepur Road, the people said, was short and most of the offices, hospitals, educational institutions and markets fell on this route.

Anjuman-i-Tajran president Akram Mughal criticised on Friday the decision of RTA and said the new route was long and the transporters would naturally demand more fares. It would also cause price hike as a result of increase in fare, he added.

Railway Road Traders Union president Afzal Bhatti said thousands of people go to Lahore every day to earn their livelihood and the change of route would add to their financial problems.

He called it immoral to ignore 2.7 million people to oblige a federal minister who wanted to ply his own transport on the previous route.

A PPP meeting presided over by MNA Manzoor Ahmad criticised the change in the route.

Meanwhile, the social, political circles and traders organisations have sought the help of President Musharraf, Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi and Governor Khalid Maqbool to resolve the issue.